How does HH work?

The benchmark in complimentary medicines for regulating hormonal imbalances is a herbal medicine known as Cimicifuga Racemosa (Black Cohosh). Cimicifuga is one of the most scientifically proven herbal medicines in the world today. It has been proven to be effective in a range of gynaecological complaints. Cimicifuga regulates the hypothalamus pituitary axis, the master hormone control system. When the hypothalamus pituitary axis is regulated, a profound and lasting affect can be achieved in hormonal balance.

Pharmacological studies have demonstrated Cimicifuga Racemosa contains substances with endocrine activity, causing a selective reduction of the serum concentration of pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) and is able to bind to oestrogen receptor sites. It is assumed the active ingredient Triterpene Glycosides have the effect upon the hypothalamus-pituitary system which leads to secondary balancing effects upon the reproductive and sympathetic/parasympathetic nervous systems.

Numerous studies have proven Cimicifuga racemosa to be effective in hormonal complaints associated with premenstrual syndrome and menopause.

In one such study Cimicifuga racemosa at a dose of 80mg per day was found to be effective in PMS, with freedom from symptoms in 84% of cases. This is a staggering percentage considering the complex mechanisms of development for hormonal disorders. Cimicifuga is also well known for its ability to effectively treat menopausal symptoms with dozens of clinical trials to substantiate the action. In fact Cimicifuga is the most popular complementary medicine for the treatment of menopause with millions of women worldwide benefiting from the hormonal regulatory affect.

Using the Hamilton Anxiety Scale HAMA Cimicifuga Racemosa was shown to improve Nervousness and irritability by 86.5%, Depressive moods by 82.5% and sleeping problems by 76.8%. Stolze, H: Gyne 1, 14-16 (1982)

The true benefit setting Cimicifuga apart from other herbal medicines is the ability to treat a wide range of hormonal imbalance symptoms. Whether the imbalance is excessive or deficiency of progesterone, oestrogen, Luteinizing hormone or follicle stimulating hormone, Cimicifuga has a balancing affect due to its influence on the glandular system. No other herbal medicine or conventional medicine is so versatile in its action. This regulating action can be demonstrated through the effectiveness of Cimicifuga in treating both menopausal symptoms and premenstrual symptoms where the blood hormone levels are completely opposite. Don’t be confused however that because Cimicifuga alleviates menopausal symptoms that it must be raising oestrogen levels. It is not. It balances the pituitary and hence it regulates oestrogen levels whether they are low or high.

Vitex, better known as Chaste tree is a well-studied herbal medicine working primarily on female disorders. Best known for its treatment of PMS, Chaste tree has the ability to improve the levels of progesterone which are typically reduced in many women.

Apart from progesterone production, it appears Chaste tree has an effect in regulating the larger glandular system. This has been shown through studies demonstrating the increase in both melatonin and dopamine levels. These hormones, although not directly linked to female hormonal imbalance play an important role in the improvement of symptoms as dopamine assists with depression whilst melatonin improves sleep quality, hence improving the overall wellbeing in women with hormonal imbalance.

In addition Chaste tree has been shown to improve breast cysts, poly cystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, peri-menopause and menopause.

Raspberry leaf has long been used by herbalists as a tonic for female disorders, particularly for preparation of childbirth through its action on improving the health and muscle tone of the uterus. Most physical symptoms of hormonal imbalance affect the pelvic region such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids and poly cystic ovarian disorder. Hence it is critical to include remedies to improve the circulation and tone in the pelvic region.

Balancing the hormones is often not enough to stimulate healing as the physical symptoms remain. This is where raspberry leaf plays a critical role in a holistic treatment to recover fully from hormonal imbalances.

Maca is a relatively new discovery in the western herbal medicine although it has been used as a health tonic in Peru for thousands of years. Maca is known to have an adaptogenic effect which means it works to balance the larger glandular imbalance.

Maca’s main action is on the adrenal glands and hypothalamus to control and balance cortisol levels. By managing cortisol levels (stress hormone), other reproductive hormones come into balance such as progesterone which is why Maca is used to effectively treat infertility and PMS. Maca also has an action to improve sleep and menopausal disorders.

Maca is also highly nutritive which is why it gets its name as a superfood. Rich in B vitamins and minerals Maca has a reputation as an aphrodisiac.

Sage has traditionally been used for a wide variety of health conditions including digestive disorders, nervous conditions and infections due to its high volatile oil content. Of interest for hormonal imbalances, Sage has a balancing effect on the pineal gland. Very few herbs have this effect which is why it becomes such a valuable remedy when the aim is to create an overall glandular imbalance rather than treating symptoms alone. The pineal gland is the master controlling gland in the brain having an effect on the total glandular function.

This effect on the pineal gland has shown sage to be particularly useful for the treatment of menopausal flushing.

Gymnema is a herbal medicine which is often not thought of for hormonal disorders. However it does have a powerful indirect effect on hormonal imbalance. Symptoms of blood sugar imbalance such as sugar cravings are common with hormonal imbalances such as PCOS and premenstrually. This is because the glandular system is intricately linked. It is a complete system and when one gland is imbalanced it affects the function of another.

Insulin resistance is a trigger for hormonal imbalances and actually is one of the causative factors. Particularly involved are premenstrual symptoms, poly cystic ovarian syndrome and fibroids all have links with sugar intake. Hence Gymnema plays an important role in the holistic approach to treating the whole condition rather than mere symptoms.

Passionflower has a very gentle yet powerful effect on the hormonal system. Acting on the nervous system, passion flower reduces the level of stress hormones which when in high concentrations negatively affect the glandular balance. When stress hormones are elevated, reproductive hormones reduce. It is a natural coping mechanism to reduce the reproductive ability in difficult times. In modern times however where stress is a constant companion, there are negative implications on the reproductive system and hormonal balance.

Passionflower helps to reduce the levels of stress hormones, improving sleep, and symptoms of depression. Although not directly linked to treating hormonal symptoms, the effect of passionflower cannot be underestimated in the total treatment of the condition.

Very few doctors and naturopaths would every consider using dandelion root for a hormonal condition. Yet it is an important inclusion in Happy Hormones. Dandelion root is a powerful liver tonic. The liver function is essential in breaking down and excreting blood hormones. When this does not happen effectively there is a recirculation of the hormones which confuses the glandular system. When synthetic hormones are taken it is also essential that the body correctly breakdown and excretes these hormones to avoid a double-whammy so to speak.

Dandelion also acts a digestive stimulant which is important as constipation is a causative factor in the development of hormonal imbalances. If the body cannot excrete hormones in time then again there is a double effect.

Finally Dandelion acts as a gentle diuretic which prevents fluid retention. Many women complain of bloating with hormonal imbalances so Dandelion assists in this area to improve comfort levels.

Licorice is also another herb which is often not considered in hormonal imbalances. However, when you understand the dynamics of the causative factors of hormonal conditions it becomes a helpful addition. Licorice has an effect on the adrenal glands by supporting the adrenals in times of stress and assists to lower cortisol levels. When cortisol levels are high then this causes the thyroid to reduce its function so it is important to consider.

Licorice also has an effect as a natural anti-inflammatory and in many hormonal conditions there is a situation where excessive inflammation occurs such as endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids and even PMS. So down regulating the inflammatory response helps to accelerate the healing process.

Licorice also has an effect on regulating the blood sugar levels as well.

Commonly recognised as a herbal medicine to improve progesterone levels, Wild Yam is a well-proven and effective herb. Wild yam also has an effect on the adrenal glands to improve adrenal exhaustion and fatigue associated with prolonged stress levels.

Wild yam is often used in herbal creams as progesterone creams. We find it more effective when used in combination with other hormonal balancing herbal medicines to give a complete effect rather than just focusing on progesterone levels.

Psyllium husk is a simple plant based soluble fibre which improves digestive motility. In other words it assists to improve bowel regularity. Fibre also assists as a food source for healthy bacteria in the GUT which is important for hormonal function and breakdown.

Happy Hormones does not have an effect on the thyroid directly. It was a deliberate because there are no herbal medicines which are regulatory of the thyroid. They either stimulate or reduce thyroid function and this goes against the philosophy of the formula. Ironically we have discovered however once the rest of the endocrine system is restored the thyroid often corrects itself primarily from the balancing of the pituitary gland which controls the thyroid function.

Finally, the formula is not just about the ingredients but the delicate balance of each. Herbal medicines can enhance the effect of the other when in the right combination. So over many years to levels of the ingredients have been adjusted to obtain the best possible activity of each to work as a singular formula.